Editor's note: Every NFL team is preparing to attack its offseason to-do list, with free agency set to open March 12 and the draft April 25-27. This is the 16th of 32 reports in 32 days by Sporting News NFL correspondents, who will analyze the offseason game plan for each team. Sunday: Carolina Panthers Monday: New Orleans Saints Tuesday: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Talent overview

Despite coming within 10 yards of making the franchise’s second trip to the Super Bowl, the Atlanta Falcons’ roster is in need of some upgrades along both lines and in the offensive backfield.

The offensive line continued to struggle in short-yardage situations, the pass rush was anemic, and the rushing attack was lacking in 2012. If the Falcons are going to retain their lead over the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South and catch up to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC, they must improve the talent base.

The team is undecided on whether to use the franchise tag this offseason, but top free-agent priorities include left tackle Sam Baker and safety William Moore. The team appears set to let Brent Grimes test the market, however.

Decisions also must be made on running back Michael Turner, cornerback Dunta Robinson and defensive end John Abraham. ESPN reported Friday the team likely will release Turner, who is 31 and coming off a season in which he averaged only 3.6 yards per carry.

The Falcons will complete their due diligence on targeted players, with an emphasis on tight ends, linebackers, defensive ends and running backs for free agency and the draft. Also, the Falcons heavily scouted offensive linemen at the Senior Bowl.

Key departures

Since the time elapsed in the NFC title loss to San Francisco at the Georgia Dome, everyone from owner Arthur Blank to the equipment manager have let tight end Tony Gonzalez know that his return for 2013 would be welcomed.

Gonzalez, who turns 37 on Wednesday, showed no signs of slippage as he caught 93 passes for 930 yards last season. If he retires, the passing attack would have a major and perhaps unpatchable hole.

Turner, who was key to the franchise’s turnaround after signing as a free agent in 2008, is the most likely cap casualty.

Needs and targets

1. Tight end. With Gonzalez contemplating retirement, the Falcons will take a hard look at this position. Stanford’s Zach Ertz, Notre Dame’s Tyler Eifert and San Diego State’s Gavin Escobar are considered the top three tight ends at the Scouting Combine. All three have shown they are capable pass catchers as flex tight ends.

Jared Cook would be the top free-agent target if the Titans do not slap the franchise tag on him.

Though the team remains hopeful Gonzalez will return, it still needs to find a viable young option moving forward. Also, look for the Falcons to continue developing Chase Coffman as a pass-catching threat. He made some clutch catches down the stretch and in the playoffs.

2. Defensive end. When Abraham was injured in a meaningless regular-season finale, the Falcons lack of a pass rush was exposed in the playoffs. The team almost has to bring Abraham back because no other player on the roster has shown the ability to rush the passer.

Don’t be surprised if the Falcons kick the tires on Dwight Freeney, who was recently released by the Colts and could provide Atlanta with another designated pass rusher.

There may not be much help available in the first round by the time the Falcons pick at No. 30. LSU’s Sam Montgomery could be an option, and Florida State’s Cornellius “Tank” Carradine and Texas’ Alex Okafor are other ends to track in the draft.

3. Running back: In Dirk Koetter’s offense, the Falcons need a running back with pass-catching ability. This hole could be filled in the draft, and North Carolina’s Giovani Bernard and Clemson’s Andre Ellington seem to best fit the Falcons’ scheme.

Notre Dame’s Cierre Wood could also be a second-day pick, as teams have been able to find quality running backs in the middle and late rounds of the draft in recent years.

4. Linebackers. In the playoffs, while trying to stop read-option offenses, the Falcons’ coverage schemes had trouble containing tight ends.

Some of the potential linebacker targets in the draft include LSU’s Kevin Minter, North Carolina’s Kevin Reddick and Kansas State’s Arthur Brown.

5. Guard. Look for Peter Konz to slide over to center if Todd McClure retires. That would leave a hole at right guard. Garrett Reynolds opened the season as a starter but is returning from back surgery. Philipkeith Manley is a player the Falcons developed last season, and they may be ready to give him a shot.

Jets free agent Brandon Moore is a potential target if the Falcons decide to pursue a veteran to fill the spot.

Ledbetter’s take

The Falcons will likely succeed in their offseason priorities of convincing Gonzalez to stay on, re-signing Baker and Moore and getting contract extension talks started with quarterback Matt Ryan.

But if they are going to break through and make it to the Super Bowl, they must improve the offensive line, which continued to struggle in short-yardage situations, and somehow find a pass rush.

The Falcons must be smart and not overvalue the talent on hand while continuing to be deliberate about who they want to place in the locker room. With Ryan at the controls, the Falcons should continue to be legitimate Super Bowl contenders if they make the right personnel moves.

D. Orlando Ledbetter covers the Falcons for Sporting News and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.